The Indian Army is set to bolster its artillery firepower with an order for 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, bringing the total to 200 units, with plans for another 100 in the near future.
While the K9 Vajra, a product of collaboration between Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and South Korea's Hanwha Defence, has proven its worth, this procurement raises questions about a missed opportunity to revive a wholly indigenous alternative, the Bhim self-propelled howitzer.
The K9 Vajra, with its 1,000 hp engine and 155mm/52-caliber gun, has become a key asset for the Indian Army. Its ability to operate in diverse terrains, including the challenging conditions of Ladakh, makes it a valuable addition to India's artillery modernization efforts. The Army's decision to procure more units underscores its confidence in the platform's performance and reliability.
However, this procurement has rekindled discussions about the Bhim self-propelled howitzer, an indigenous project initiated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the early 2000s. The Bhim combined the Arjun main battle tank's chassis with a South African 155mm howitzer turret. Despite successful trials, the project was shelved due to geopolitical and procurement challenges, including sanctions on South Africa.
Some defence experts argue that the Bhim could have been a viable alternative had the Army projected its requirement for 300 self-propelled howitzers from the outset. A clear and substantial demand could have justified the development costs and potentially led to a fully indigenous system, reducing reliance on foreign partnerships.
The decision to opt for the K9 Vajra over reviving the Bhim project reflects the Army's immediate operational needs. However, it also raises questions about India's long-term defence strategy. While the K9 Vajra features significant indigenization through local production, a fully indigenous platform like the Bhim would have further strengthened India's defence manufacturing ecosystem and aligned more closely with the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
With the additional orders for the K9 Vajra, the focus now shifts to fulfilling operational requirements efficiently. However, this episode serves as a valuable lesson for long-term planning in defence acquisitions. By aligning projected requirements with indigenous development capabilities from the start, India can maximize the potential of its domestic defence industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
